Lumad Sword

kino · 9th April 2023, 06:15 PM

Sharing photos of a Lumad Sword.
This must have been collected early on in its life, judging by the condition of the blade and all the accoutrements. The blade has a keen edge with no signs of subsequent sharpening’s. Well cared for by the previous owner(s). The plant roots are dry and delicate, each time it is handled pieces break off.
Sword overall length 21.5 in., blade 14.5 in.

Ian · 10th April 2023, 12:38 AM

Very nice old Bagobo sword. The bead work is characteristic of the Bagobo style.

kino · 10th April 2023, 04:38 AM

Thanks Ian, for placing its tribal origin.

xasterix · 10th April 2023, 07:10 AM

Very nice sword there sir!

werecow · 10th April 2023, 01:10 PM

That may be the most fun scabbard I've ever seen.

kino · 10th April 2023, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

Very nice sword there sir!

Thanks Xas.

kino · 10th April 2023, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

That may be the most fun scabbard I've ever seen.

Lots of things to look at, some probably esoteric.

werecow · 11th April 2023, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kino

Lots of things to look at, some probably esoteric.

Indeed. Never a dull moment with this scabbard. I like it very much.

Sajen · 11th April 2023, 12:18 PM

Great Bagobo sword Albert! Congrats for a very nice find! The second superb Bagobo sword in the short time you have shown us, where do you always find these??

Regards,
Detlef

kino · 12th April 2023, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Great Bagobo sword Albert! Congrats for a very nice find!

Thanks Detlef

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

The second superb Bagobo sword in the short time you have shown us, where do you always find these??

🤫

Sajen · 12th April 2023, 09:50 PM

Gavin Nugent · 15th April 2023, 02:06 PM

Stunning, absolutely stunning dress, congrats on another treasure!

Ian · 16th April 2023, 01:23 AM

Albert,

The more I look at your wonderful sword the more I find to like about it. The scabbard is probably the best I have seen in terms of intact bead work and the unusual use of twigs, etc. The sword is easily a hundred years old IMHO. There are old pictures from around 1900-1915 that show very similar swords and scabbards. The Bagobos, more than most Lumad groups, like to dress up with a lot of beading on male garments. Their bead work is sought out for its detail and extent of us on various items. even everyday tote bags would be decorated with beads.

The hilt is typical Bagobo style, not Datu class but definitely in the traditional form. The "fat belly" blade is also a common Bagobo blade form. I don't know it's local name. Perhaps someone here can inform us.

Just an excellent ensemble! Congratulations

kino · 17th April 2023, 05:20 PM

Thanks Gavin, I’m fortunate to have found them.

Ian, I agree with your assessments. The selected wood is plain, it seems to be painted / dyed black, it’s light in weight and unfinished. The bead work is amazing. The craft person put a lot of work into the scabbard.

9th April 2023, 06:15 PM	#1
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,016	Lumad Sword Sharing photos of a Lumad Sword. This must have been collected early on in its life, judging by the condition of the blade and all the accoutrements. The blade has a keen edge with no signs of subsequent sharpening’s. Well cared for by the previous owner(s). The plant roots are dry and delicate, each time it is handled pieces break off. Sword overall length 21.5 in., blade 14.5 in. Attached Images

15th April 2023, 02:06 PM	#12
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Stunning, absolutely stunning dress, congrats on another treasure! Attached Images

10th April 2023, 12:38 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Very nice old Bagobo sword. The bead work is characteristic of the Bagobo style.

10th April 2023, 04:38 AM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,016	Thanks Ian, for placing its tribal origin.

10th April 2023, 07:10 AM	#4
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 667	Very nice sword there sir!

10th April 2023, 01:10 PM	#5
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 534	That may be the most fun scabbard I've ever seen.

11th April 2023, 12:18 PM	#9
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,125	Great Bagobo sword Albert! Congrats for a very nice find! The second superb Bagobo sword in the short time you have shown us, where do you always find these?? Regards, Detlef

12th April 2023, 09:50 PM	#11
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,125

16th April 2023, 01:23 AM	#13
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Albert, The more I look at your wonderful sword the more I find to like about it. The scabbard is probably the best I have seen in terms of intact bead work and the unusual use of twigs, etc. The sword is easily a hundred years old IMHO. There are old pictures from around 1900-1915 that show very similar swords and scabbards. The Bagobos, more than most Lumad groups, like to dress up with a lot of beading on male garments. Their bead work is sought out for its detail and extent of us on various items. even everyday tote bags would be decorated with beads. The hilt is typical Bagobo style, not Datu class but definitely in the traditional form. The "fat belly" blade is also a common Bagobo blade form. I don't know it's local name. Perhaps someone here can inform us. Just an excellent ensemble! Congratulations

17th April 2023, 05:20 PM	#14
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,016	Thanks Gavin, I’m fortunate to have found them. Ian, I agree with your assessments. The selected wood is plain, it seems to be painted / dyed black, it’s light in weight and unfinished. The bead work is amazing. The craft person put a lot of work into the scabbard.